Letter: Better listening is key to communication

As a youngster things crossed my mind and quickly moved on. Today, well entrenched in my "golden years," they stick there. Even though the wheels don't easily turn in the right direction, I'm still able to explore the future. That's because I listen.

I pride myself in being an attentive listener. Being so, I'm also well aware of "how to" listen. I throughly enjoy how the message or story is delivered, verbally and non-verbally: voice and body language.

Today, it's a challenge to find individuals with patience and good intentions who listen. I'm reminded of the Anton Chekhov short story satire, "The Lament." The central theme revolves around an elderly Russian horse-drawn cab driver. Having recently lost his son, he tries to share his grief over the loss with his riders. No one listens. He ends up talking to his horse. It speaks to how disengaged we are as individuals and as a nation.

What's diminished as we age is our ability to listen. We are first person singulars impatiently waiting for a break in the conversation to interject, not necessarily on topic. We need to be better communicators.

When we feel listened to, we feel understood. We feel validated. True listening inspires trust and motivation in others. It's an essential life skill worth developing, at any age.

Bob Simmons

Arlington Heights